Alaskan Way Viaduct decision “delayed” after all

Turns out the Alaskan Way Viaduct Central Waterfront decision isn’t going to be made by that frequently promised end-of-year deadline after all. Here’s the joint statement issued by Governor Gregoire, King County Executive Ron Sims, and Mayor Nickels:

“Representatives of Washington state, Seattle and King County, with input from key stakeholders, have made great progress on a recommendation to replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct by 2012. Since our last viaduct oversight committee meeting, there continues to be extraordinary stakeholder response to the list of potential viaduct replacement options.

“As a result of the continued overwhelming response and input on replacement options from stakeholders, we have asked our respective transportation teams to continue their review. Once this information is in hand, and working closely together, a final recommendation will be made to the state Legislature in January.

“The replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will have a lasting affect on Seattle and the Puget Sound region. We only have one chance to do this right. It is imperative that we find the best option that addresses not only financing, but also solves safety, economic, capacity, and environmental concerns. I have heard from many businesses, small and large, local municipalities, elected officials, and residents that all have a stake in the future of this critical transportation system. We owe it to the residents of the Central Puget Sound to make the right decision.”

This is posted on the governor’s website here. WSB coverage of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is archived (newest to oldest) here.

el_grego December 30, 2008 (6:42 pm)

Maybe this means they’re going to reconsider some same recommendations.

CB December 30, 2008 (8:30 pm)

Insane. This is yet another example of Washington’s spineless politicians who can never make up their mind and are always trying to appease everyone. It’s time to make a decision and move forward.

Darren December 30, 2008 (8:46 pm)

We will never see a new viaduct/roadway. They can’t decide what to decide on.

Jayson December 30, 2008 (10:09 pm)

Are they waiting for the next quake so that the feds can pay a new structure?

PSPS December 30, 2008 (10:39 pm)

“The replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will have a lasting affect on Seattle and the Puget Sound region.”

Maybe it’s just me, but I’m always deflated when I read something like that from a supposedly educated person.

PSPS December 30, 2008 (10:45 pm)

Actually, I think they’re very smart to do this.
~
A lot will change on January 20th. I think they should wait and see if more federal money becomes available once we have an American in the white house again and the government isn’t strangling under bush’s jack boot anymore.

Dave January 1, 2009 (9:17 pm)

It was a good idea to delay the decison. New options have recently emerged that need to be evaluated. This is a very long term decision that will effect the region for decades to come.
Check out http://www.SeattleTube.org to learn about one of these options.

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